my BIG trip for the year!

So my BIG trip for the year is finally all paid for (yahoo!!!!) and will definitely happen - kisarazumama and I are heading to JAPAN!!!!! For two weeks!!!! We will leave on October 30th which is the only bummer since due to crossing the international date line we will actually miss most of Halloween (we'll arrive there the night of the 31st) which also means missing the two Anaheim Tiger Army OCtoberflame shows but at least I can make it to the ones at the Wiltern the week before.

Still, I am soooo excited to finally make it to Japan as this is a lifelong dream for me, I know I will take zillions of photos, I have stocked up on big memory cards & some extra batteries & bought a special backpack to hold the right lenses & laptop and am still trying to decide what all to pack. I have invested in two essential guidebooks:

Tokyo Underground is a guide to all the toy stores in Tokyo and has useful info like maps, subway stops to get off at and hours when they are open - YAY!

Crazy Wacky Theme Restaurants in Tokyo - did you know they have a Vampire restaurant? A Ghost bar? Let alone Maid Cafes, Drag Maid Cafes, Butler cafes, places you can rent a cat to pet by the hour etc etc.

Nov 6 on foot to Beppu stationLeave for Kokuru by JR limited express training by JR PassArrive at Kokura Station and change to JR super express train for Kyoto by JR PassArrive at Kyoto Station and on foot to hotel - Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto (2 nights)

Nov 8Half-day sightiseeing of Kyoto by coach, visitingKyoto Japanese Folk Dolls museumHandocraft centertransfer to Kyoto station by shuttle busLeave for Odawara by JR super express train (JR Pass used)Arrive at Odawara station and transfer to Ryokan in HakoneAura Tachibana